TEACHING UNIT 3

Introduction to taxonomy. Taxonomic levels. Definition of classification – nomenclature – identification. Typing molecules. 
Polyphasic approach. Definition of species and strain.
Nomenclature. Bergey's manual. Culture collections.

Classification/Identification Differences. Classical Phenotypic Taxonomy. Dichotomous Keys and Diagnostic Tables. Miniature Kits. Differential Media.

Numerical taxonomy. FAME chemotaxonomy - Serology

Genetic taxonomy: G+C% and DNA/DNA hybridization. Identification by SSU sequencing.
Final considerations on the species concept. Video on PCR. Sanger sequencing.

Actinomycetes and antibiotics. Lactic acid bacteria: general characteristics and applications. Probiotics.

Enterobacteriaceae and major genera. Biochemical identification with IMViC test; Biotechnological application: Ames test and insulin production